20+ Magical Harry Potter Places to Visit Around the World (That Feel Like Hogwarts)

There’s something about rewatching the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary on HBO that hits different. I definitely teared up, and then immediately opened a new tab to Google flights to London, just to see. You know, hypothetically. One peek at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London prices turned into me spiraling into a full-on Wizarding World travel bucket list.

Turns out, there are SO many magical Harry Potter places to visit if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series. And I don’t just mean the Warner Bros. Studio or Potter studio tour in London. I’ve been lucky enough to explore a bunch of these real-life Harry Potter filming locations. I even found a Chamber of Secrets door in San Francisco.

Yes, really. I packed my wand, wore my Slytherin pajamas, and posed in front of it like the nerd I proudly am.

This is the ultimate guide to Harry Potter themed places around the world. Whether you’re looking for Harry Potter places to visit in the UK, want to ride the Hogwarts Express in Scotland, or find Harry Potter places to visit in the USA (or near you if you happen to live near Florissant or St. Louis, Missouri), I’ve got you covered.

Grab your wand. Let’s get nerdy.

Quick Answer: Best Harry Potter Places to Visit

• London, UK – Platform 9 ¾, Leadenhall Market, Warner Bros Studio Tour, Millennium Bridge, London Zoo, Georgian House Hotel
• Oxford, England – Christ Church Great Hall, Bodleian Library, Divinity School
• Edinburgh, Scotland – The Elephant House, Victoria Street, Edinburgh Castle
• Scottish Highlands, Scotland – Jacobite Steam Train, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe, Loch Shiel
• England Countryside – Gloucester Cathedral, Alnwick Castle, Lacock Abbey, Goathland Station, Hardwick Hall
• USA – Wizarding World of Harry Potter (California + Florida), themed Airbnbs, Hagrid’s Hut Airbnb in Georgia, Chamber of Secrets Door in San Francisco
• Portugal – Livraria Lello Bookstore
• More Worldwide – Harry Potter™: The Exhibition (touring globally)

20 Best Harry Potter Places To Visit In Real Life

Whether you’re planning a full Harry Potter trip or just want to sprinkle a little magic into your next vacation, here’s your complete guide to filming locations, themed stays, and magical spots that feel pulled from the pages of the books.

1. Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station, London

Of course we have to start here. Located between Platforms 4 and 5 at King’s Cross Station, this is where you can take your photo with the disappearing luggage cart heading to Hogwarts.

There’s even a dedicated team member who will toss your scarf for the perfect action shot. Afterward, head into the Harry Potter shop, which is styled like Ollivanders and full of magical merch. I picked up a wand and a Slytherin notebook the last time I visited London. 

2. Livraria Lello Bookstore, Porto, Portugal

This dreamy bookstore in Porto is often cited as inspiration for the Harry Potter series. I visited with my wand tucked into my bag and walked around in awe. The red staircase, stained glass, and dark wood carvings feel straight out of Flourish and Blotts. I swear I expected Madam Pince to scold me for loitering.

I truly can see how Livraria Lello inspired JK Rowling. 

3. Gloucester Cathedral, England

Walking through Gloucester Cathedral genuinely made me feel like I was headed to the Gryffindor common room. These cloisters were used in multiple Harry Potter films, and seeing them in person made me emotional. It’s free to visit and easily one of my favorite filming locations in England.

4. Alnwick Castle, England

Flying lessons with Madam Hooch were filmed here, as were scenes of Harry and Ron crashing the Weasley car. The Outer and Inner Baileys were used for tons of Hogwarts courtyard scenes.

I haven’t been yet, but this is at the top of my Harry Potter filming locations map. It’s a must for your Harry Potter trip to the UK.

5. The Elephant House, Edinburgh

I had soup and tea at the Elephant House one rainy afternoon, staring out the window at Edinburgh Castle. It’s said Rowling wrote Harry Potter at this very café. But the magic is in the bathroom walls, which are covered with messages from fans all over the world. I cried reading them.

6. Christ Church and Bodleian Library, Oxford

I visited on a drizzly day and it was perfect. The Great Hall inspiration at Christ Church really does look like Hogwarts. At the Bodleian, I kept thinking “this is the Restricted Section”. The Divinity School was the Hogwarts Infirmary. You have to buy a ticket for the guided tour, but it’s so worth it.

7. The Cauldron Bar (New York, London, Edinburgh)

This bar has been on my bucket list forever. I finally went to the one in New York and did their cocktail potion-making class. I chose a green drink, naturally, in honor of my Slytherin status. It was such a fun adult Potter-themed night out.

PS if you love cocktails, these are my favorite Harry Potter cocktails to make at home! 

8. Chamber of Secrets Door, San Francisco

I live here and still couldn’t believe this exists. Right near Fisherman’s Wharf is a house with a real-life replica of the Chamber of Secrets door. This Harry Potter inspired door is perfect for photos and once I even dressed up in my house robes to snap pics in front of it.

Bonus: there’s a Game of Thrones dragon door next to it.

9. Victoria Street and Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Walking down Victoria Street genuinely felt like stepping into Diagon Alley. I gasped when I first saw it. With Edinburgh Castle looming above, it’s easy to see how Rowling imagined Hogwarts perched on a cliff.

10. Leadenhall Market, London

This stunning covered market was used as Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter film. I came here early one morning to avoid the crowds and got some amazing photos near the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. It’s one of the best photo spots in Harry Potter world.

11. Georgian House Hotel, London

I stayed here on a solo trip and booked the Wizard Chambers room. It felt like I was in the Gryffindor dorms. They also offer a magical afternoon tea and do a holiday feast around Christmas. Easily one of the most immersive Harry Potter places to visit in London.

12. Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland

We didn’t get to ride the Hogwarts Express during our last trip to Scotland, but next time, I’m setting aside a day for this. The Jacobite steam train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct and is one of the most iconic Potter filming locations in the world.

13. Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye

From Hagrid’s Hut scenes to Dumbledore’s grave, the Highlands are full of Harry Potter filming locations. On our drive through Glen Coe and Rannoch Moor, I kept expecting to see Buckbeak flying by, or Hogwarts Castle appearing around a bend. 

While my husband and I were road tripping around magical locations in Scotland for our honeymoon, we listen to the Harry Potter audiobooks and it’s a core memory of mine now. 

14. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Walking into the Great Hall was everything I dreamed it would be. I took photos with the props, drank Butterbeer, and probably annoyed my husband by narrating trivia the whole way through. If you’re a Potter fan, you have to go. Book tickets early for the best time slots.

Also, don’t miss the Harry Potter Exhibition, a touring experience that delights fans worldwide with authentic film props, exclusive behind-the-scenes looks, and fun interactive surprises. I’ve been tracking where it pops up next so I can plan my next Potter travel moment. Feel the nostalgia and the magic while celebrating some of your favorite moments from the Harry Potter series.

15. Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Florida and California

I’ve been to both parks and loved them. The Orlando park is bigger and includes both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. I bought a wand and had way too much fun activating the interactive shop windows. What surprised me was how emotional I got my first time to the park, seeing Hogsmead for the first time, stepping into the wand store… I felt like a kid again. 

It’s a perfect Wizarding World of Harry Potter itinerary for US fans. 

16. Goathland Station, England

This was used as Hogsmeade Station in Sorcerer’s Stone. When I visited, I arrived just as the train pulled in. It felt like I was about to board for another term at Hogwarts.

17. London Zoo Reptile House

We squeezed this in before flying home. The snake scene from the first film was shot here. It’s a small stop but a cool one, especially if you love Harry Potter and want to see where it all began.

18. Hardwick Hall, England

Used as Malfoy Manor in Deathly Hallows, this 16th-century hall is super creepy in the best way. You can tour the grounds and take in the eerie vibes of one of the more sinister Harry Potter filming locations.

19. Hagrid’s Hut Airbnb, Georgia, USA

If you’re looking for Harry Potter places to visit in the USA, this Airbnb is for you. It looks exactly like Hagrid’s Hut, inside and out. I’m dying to book it for a cozy Potter-themed getaway.

20. Wizarding Airbnb, Orlando, Florida

Perfect for large groups doing Universal. This Airbnb is decorated like Hogwarts and is just a short drive from the parks perfect for Harry Potter fans heading to the Harry Potter studio tour. 

How to Plan Your Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List

• Start in London with the studio tour and iconic sites like Platform 9 ¾, Leadenhall Market, and King’s Cross Station. Set aside time to catch a viewing of the Cursed Child play, too
• Add a few days in Edinburgh for the Elephant House and Diagon Alley vibes
• Book a day trip to Oxford or Gloucester Cathedral for Hogwarts interiors
• Schedule the Jacobite steam train and Highlands if you’re visiting Scotland
• If you’re in the USA, visit the Wizarding World in Florida or California and look for themed Airbnbs near me

The best part? You can build your itinerary whether you’re exploring Harry Potter places to visit in Europe or checking out themed attractions in Missouri, New York, or California. There’s a magical stop for every fan.

FAQs About Harry Potter Travel

Where is Harry Potter filmed?
Most Harry Potter filming locations are in the United Kingdom. Key scenes were filmed in London (King’s Cross Station, Leadenhall Market), Oxford (Christ Church, Bodleian Library), Scotland (Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe), and across England in places like Alnwick Castle, Gloucester Cathedral, and Lacock Abbey.

What are the best Harry Potter places to visit in London?
Top spots include Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station, the Warner Bros Studio Tour London, Leadenhall Market, Millennium Bridge, the London Zoo Reptile House, and the Georgian House Hotel’s Wizard Chambers.

Are there Harry Potter places to visit in the USA?
Yes! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in California and Florida are must-visits. You’ll also find themed Airbnbs like Hagrid’s Hut in Georgia and even a Chamber of Secrets door in San Francisco.

All the Harry Potter locations in books can be found in the UK, but us Americans have some fun themed worlds to visit, too. 

What is Harry Potter: The Exhibition?
It’s a touring experience featuring authentic film props, behind-the-scenes looks, and interactive displays. If you love Harry Potter, check if the exhibition is coming to a city near you.

Where can I ride the Hogwarts Express?
The Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland is the real-life stand-in for the Hogwarts Express. It crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct and offers one of the most iconic views from the Harry Potter films.

How do I plan a Harry Potter trip?
Start in London, then add Oxford and Edinburgh. For filming locations in the countryside, visit Gloucester, Alnwick, and the Highlands. You can also build out a Wizarding World of Harry Potter itinerary for the USA.

What are some Harry Potter places to visit in Europe outside the UK?
Check out Livraria Lello in Portugal and keep an eye on Harry Potter™: The Exhibition, which tours globally and may visit countries like France, Germany, Greece, or the United Arab Emirates.

Final Thoughts

Even though I’m still waiting on my Hogwarts letter, I will never stop loving this world. From London Harry Potter locations to magical sites in the Scottish Highlands and Potter-themed places in the USA, there’s no shortage of amazing spots to explore. If you love Harry Potter like I do, this is your sign to start planning that trip.

Whether you’re searching for Harry Potter places near me, plotting a Harry Potter guide to London, or seeking out Harry Potter locations in the books and movies, I hope you found something magical to add to your list.

Mischief managed.